While the story is based on the Pinkerton National Detective Agency's beginnings and the notable detective work of its first female detective, Kate Warne, the pages dedicated to the restoration of family through testing fortifies this tale's telling. Hannigan weaves parallel stories -- of Underground Railroad workers and undercover detective agents whose survival depends on wits, disguise, truth-seeking, courage, and trustworthiness. But when identity is hidden, the truth is not so easily revealed and false accusations create barriers of mistrust that only proof and trustworthiness over time can tear down. A fascinating setting that provides a colorful backdrop for meaningful conversations about redemption, freedom, and love.

Publisher Summary

"In 1859, eleven-year-old Nell goes to live with her aunt, Kate Warne, the first female detective for Pinkerton's National Detective Agency. Nell helps her aunt solve cases, including a mystery surrounding Abraham Lincoln, and the mystery of what happened to Nell's own father. Includes author's note and bibliographic references"--

Based on the extraordinary true story of America's first female detective, Kate Warne, this fast-paced adventure is full of feats of daring and danger, bold action, and newfound courage.

When orphaned eleven-year-old Nell Warne arrives in Chicago, she is shocked to find that her long-lost aunt is a detective working for the famous Pinkerton's National Detective agency! With nation-changing events simmering in the background as Abraham Lincoln heads for the White House, Aunt Kate is working on the biggest case of her life, and Nell quickly makes herself indispensable by cracking codes, wearing disguises, and spying on nefarious criminals. But can she also solve the case of what really happened on the night her best friend disappeared?

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